A Library Primer eBook

The executive committee should take charge of the
daily work of the library, of purchases, and of the
care of the building; they should carry their duties
as far as possible without assuming too much of the
responsibility which properly belongs to the full board.
It will be best to entrust the choice of books to
a book committee appointed for that purpose purely.
The finance committee should make and watch investments
and see that purchases are made on most favorable terms.

5) Relations with the librarian.—­The
trustees are the responsible managers of the library;
the librarian is their agent, appointed to carry out
their wishes. If they have, however, a first-class
librarian, the trustees ought to leave the management
of the library practically to him, simply supplementing
his ability without impeding it. They should
leave to a librarian of good executive ability the
selection, management, and dismissal of all assistants,
the methods and details of library work, and the initiative
in the choice of books. A wise librarian the
trustees may very properly take into their confidence,
and invite his presence at all meetings, where his
advice would be of service.

6) Other employes.—­Efficiency of
employes can best be obtained through application
of the cardinal principles of an enlightened civil
service, viz., absolute exclusion of all political
and personal influence, appointment for definitely
ascertained fitness, promotion for merit, and retention
during good behavior.

CHAPTER VI

The librarian

If circumstances permit, the librarian should be engaged
even before the general character of the library and
plan of administration have been determined upon.
If properly selected, he or she will be a person of
experience in these matters, and will be able to give
valuable advice. Politics, social considerations,
church sympathies, religious prejudices, family relationship—­none
of these should be allowed to enter into his selection.
Secure an efficient officer, even at what may seem
at first a disproportionate expense. Save money
in other ways, but never by employing a forceless
man or woman in the position of chief librarian.

Recent developments of schools of library economy,
and recent rapid growth of public libraries throughout
the country, have made it possible for any new library
to secure good material for a librarian. If lack
of funds or other conditions make it necessary to employ
some local applicant, it will be wise to insist that
that person, if not already conversant with library
economy, shall immediately become informed on the
subject. It will not be easy, it may not be possible,
for trustees to inform themselves as to library organization
and administration. They can, however, with very
little difficulty, so far inform themselves as to
be able to judge whether the person they select for
their chief officer is taking pains to acquaint himself